US Soccer Leaders Discuss Growth Post-World Cup

JT Batson, CEO and Secretary General of the US Soccer Federation, and Angie Long, Chief Investment Officer at Palmer Square Capital Management and Co-Founder and Owner of the Kansas City Current, engaged in a discussion regarding the sustained growth of soccer in the United States. The conversation took place at Bloomberg Power Players 2026, held in New York, and was moderated by Ira Boudway of Bloomberg. The primary focus was on strategies to maintain and build upon the momentum generated by recent major soccer events, particularly the World Cup.

Batson and Long addressed the critical need for continued investment and development across all levels of the sport. This includes grassroots programs, youth academies, professional leagues, and infrastructure. The discussion highlighted the potential for soccer to become a dominant sport in the U.S. market, drawing parallels to its popularity in other parts of the world. They emphasized that this growth is not solely dependent on the success of the national teams but requires a robust and sustainable ecosystem for the sport to thrive year-round.

Angie Long, with her dual role in both men's and women's professional soccer through the Kansas City Current and HB Koge Women, brought insights into the commercial and operational aspects of growing soccer clubs. Her perspective likely touched upon fan engagement, media rights, sponsorship opportunities, and the development of state-of-the-art facilities, such as the newly opened CPKC Stadium for the Kansas City Current. This stadium, a dedicated facility for a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team, represents a significant investment in women's professional soccer and a commitment to providing top-tier resources for athletes.

JT Batson's role within the US Soccer Federation involves overseeing the strategic direction of the sport nationwide, from amateur to professional levels, and managing the federation's relationship with FIFA and CONCACAF. His contribution to the discussion would have focused on the broader organizational and policy frameworks necessary to support soccer's expansion. This could include initiatives aimed at increasing participation, improving coaching standards, and enhancing the overall fan experience. The conversation underscored the collaborative effort required from federations, clubs, investors, and fans to solidify soccer's position in the American sports landscape.